By Tami Eagen – Sydenham Current
A local man has stepped up to organize the annual Canada Day festivities in Wallaceburg.
Chris Glassford, owner of Summit Shows Canada, told the Sydenham Current he inquired about running the event after learning that the Wallaceburg Lions Club, who are no longer active, would no longer be the organizers of the annual festivities.
“I was the chair of Chatham’s Canada 150,” Glassford said.
“I have a passion for the Canada Day events and when I saw the news article that we could be losing the event in Wallaceburg I acted fast. When seeing the article, I contacted Leesa Erving who was the coordinator last year. She advised that she was interested in letting us (Summit Shows) take over.”
Glassford said he learned a lot from chairing Chatham’s Canada Day event.
“When on the Canada Day committee in Chatham, I learned about structuring events that have significance, to not only the city they are in, but also our nation,” he said.
“I learned about time sensitive materials as well as it is a race to get services lined up for events that happen on the same day across the country.”
Glassford said he has a few plans already lined up for the July 1 event in Wallaceburg.
“So far we plan to have the bouncy castles, face painting, vendors, entertainment, lots of shade, and plenty to do for the whole family,” he said.
“We want to keep people engaged. We also will have the cake and fireworks. We are also confirming that we will have four special guests, most likely Peppa Pig, Cookie Monster, Cat-Boy and Mountie Moose.”
Glassford added he is looking for volunteers.
“As for our team, it changes depending on the area our event is in,” he said.
“We will be developing a new sector to the team for this area. Our positions will be filled internally first, and if we are in need of help we will reach out. We also always accept volunteer help, whether it’s for community hours or for the love of the community.”
Glassford had filed his name to represent Wallaceburg on Chatham-Kent Municipal Council last spring, but later removed his name from the ballot.
The Canada Day festivities are scheduled to take place on Monday, July 1, 2019.
